Trying to manifest total submission to God like Jesus is a deeply personal and lifelong journey. It's less about a technique and more about a fundamental shift in your being. Here's a breakdown of key aspects and practices that can help:
1. Understanding Jesus' Submission:
* Obedience to the Father's Will: The cornerstone of Jesus' life was his unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father's will. He prayed for guidance and direction, and even in his darkest hours (Gethsemane), he ultimately chose to accept God's plan, saying "Not my will, but yours, be done." (Luke 22:42)
* Humility and Servanthood: Jesus consistently demonstrated humility, putting others before himself. He washed the disciples' feet, taught with compassion, and ultimately sacrificed his life for humanity. This humility stemmed from recognizing his role as a servant of God.
* Constant Prayer and Communication: Jesus frequently withdrew from the crowds to spend time in prayer. This constant communication with the Father was essential for maintaining his connection and receiving guidance.
* Trust and Faith: Jesus displayed unwavering trust in God's provision and power, even in the face of immense suffering. He trusted that God would ultimately bring good out of even the most difficult circumstances.
* Love for God and Humanity: Jesus' actions were motivated by a deep and all-encompassing love for both God and humanity. This love was the driving force behind his obedience and sacrifice.
2. Practical Steps to Cultivate Submission:
* Daily Prayer and Meditation:
* Regular Prayer: Dedicate specific times each day to connect with God through prayer. Express your love, gratitude, and needs. Ask for guidance in understanding and fulfilling His will.
* Meditative Prayer/Contemplation: Spend time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on God's Word and His presence in your life. Try centering prayer or other forms of meditation to quiet your mind and open yourself to divine guidance.
* Study Scripture: Immerse yourself in the Bible, particularly the Gospels, to learn more about Jesus' life, teachings, and example. Reflect on how you can apply these principles to your own life.
* Cultivate Humility:
* Practice Selflessness: Actively seek opportunities to serve others, putting their needs before your own.
* Acknowledge Your Limitations: Recognize that you are not in control of everything and that you need God's help.
* Be Open to Correction: Be willing to receive feedback from others and to admit when you are wrong.
* Practice Obedience:
* Start Small: Begin by focusing on obeying God in the small, everyday decisions you make.
* Listen to Your Conscience: Pay attention to the inner voice that guides you towards righteousness. (However, be sure your conscience is formed by scripture and prayer)
* Seek Wise Counsel: When faced with difficult decisions, seek guidance from trusted Christian mentors or spiritual leaders.
* Develop Trust and Faith:
* Reflect on God's Faithfulness: Recall times in the past when God has been faithful to you, and use these experiences to strengthen your faith in His present and future provision.
* Practice Gratitude: Focus on the blessings in your life, and express gratitude to God for His goodness. This will help you to see His hand at work in your life.
* Step Out in Faith: Take risks for God, trusting that He will guide and protect you.
* Cultivate Love:
* Love God with All Your Heart: Make loving God the central focus of your life.
* Love Your Neighbor as Yourself: Show compassion and kindness to everyone, even those who are difficult to love.
* Practice Forgiveness: Forgive others as Christ has forgiven you.
* Discernment: Learn to distinguish God's voice from your own desires or the influence of the world. This requires prayer, scripture study, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
* Surrender Control: Consciously release your need to be in control and trust that God is working all things together for good, even when you don't understand His plan.
* Examine Your Motives: Regularly reflect on your motivations and ensure they are aligned with God's will and driven by love, not ego or personal gain.
* Community: Surround yourself with a supportive Christian community that will encourage you on your journey and hold you accountable.
Important Considerations:
* The Role of the Holy Spirit: Genuine submission to God is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you in your journey.
* Grace: Recognize that you cannot achieve perfect submission on your own. It is through God's grace that you are able to grow in this area.
* Perseverance: This is a lifelong process, not a one-time event. There will be times when you stumble and fall. The key is to get back up, learn from your mistakes, and keep striving towards greater submission.
* Authenticity: Strive for genuine submission, not outward displays or attempts to impress others. God is interested in the condition of your heart.
* False Humility: Be wary of false humility, which can be a form of pride in disguise. True humility recognizes your dependence on God and celebrates His goodness.
In Summary:
Manifesting total submission to God like Jesus is a journey of continual growth and transformation. It requires a deep commitment to prayer, scripture study, humility, obedience, trust, and love. It's not about perfection, but about consistently striving to align your will with God's will and surrendering yourself to His loving guidance. Remember to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and embrace God's grace as you walk this path.